Tune in to the podcast, where I discuss living and working abroad.

Below is a snapshot of what you’ll hear in my podcast with ACA.

The road to Milan

My fascination with life beyond the States began in high school, when I toured Scandinavia as a member of a regional soccer team. The experience sparked my curiosity about different cultures. Later, studying abroad in Florence and Milan deepened my appreciation for Italy and ultimately led me to pursue a career in international business, setting me on my expat journey.

While completing my MBA in the U.S.A. and Italy, I interned with Pirelli in Milan. Two years later, Pirelli offered me a job at their headquarters in Italy.

Upon my return to Milan, I encountered my first set of hurdles. Navigating Italy’s bureaucracy to obtain a work permit was an early challenge. Determination and adaptability made the process less painful.

Four lessons I learned on my expat journey

• Going with the flow – Italy can test your patience. Long waits at government offices, frequent transportation strikes, and bureaucratic hurdles taught me to stop sweating the small stuff and focus on adapting instead of resisting.

• The power of determination – Five years into my expat life, Pirelli sold my business unit, and I found myself without a job. Networking and persistence helped me secure a new role with a U.S. multinational in Italy, proving that resilience is a key trait to thriving in a foreign job market.

• Embracing cultural differences – Corporate culture in Italy differs from that in the U.S.A. One of my biggest adjustments was learning the importance of face time with colleagues. Some of my best career insights came from informal conversations over coffee, lunch, and social events, rather than being glued to my desk.

• Understanding hidden costs – I underestimated taxes and some other common expenses. For example, paying roughly 700 euros for my driver’s license caught me off guard. Later, I learned how to better manage my budget and anticipate expenses, resulting in fewer surprises.

The reality of living abroad

The fantasy of moving abroad often glosses over the complexities. An expat journey presents challenges such as feeling lonely, adapting to a new way of life that may not make sense at first, being labeled a foreigner, and dealing with skeptics. Despite that, creating a new life from scratch fosters resilience, resourcefulness, and cultural openness.

Advice for aspiring expats

Thinking of relocating? Do your research. Evaluate the job offer—salary, relocation assistance, health benefits, and long-term career impact. Understand the cost of living, essential documents needed, tax implications, and logistics. If you have a family, also factor in education.

For women seeking expat roles, assertiveness is crucial. Take initiative and communicate your interest in international assignments within your company. Opportunities can arise through company expansions, acquisitions, or rotational programs.

Reflections and final thoughts

Milan’s expat community is diverse—students, business professionals, artists, designers, and entrepreneurs make up the American community here. Milan is more than just a “working city.” It has beautifully manicured, hidden courtyards, notable art, rich culture, and opportunities to meet people from all over Italy and the world.

If I could advise my younger self, I’d say, “always step outside your comfort zone and take advantage of every opportunity–whether staying put, moving to another country, or returning home.”

My expat journey has enriched my life in ways I never expected. I received career opportunities across EMEA. Have friendships with people from all over the world. Lastly, I have experienced a deep cultural immersion that is not possible through travel alone. If you’re offered an opportunity to take an expat assignment, take it! It could be the most transformative experience of your life.

Photo by Khush Sandhu from Pexels

The post My expat journey: an honest account of life abroad. appeared first on Ciao Lulu!.

When I landed in Italy 20 years ago, I was both excited and scared. I experienced mixed emotions. My thoughts ranged from this being a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to what had I gotten myself into and everything in between. Was this the right move in my mid-30s? What if I fail or can’t hack it? Could I make it overseas without a safety net? These are just a few thoughts that raced through my mind until I got on the plane. Having doubts is normal. That’s when you must tell yourself that nothing significant happens in your comfort zone. I reminded myself that I wanted to live and work abroad. I had studied for it and made the preparations to go, so why not now?

A year from now, you will wish you had started today. — Karen Lamb

Spending time abroad can be a life-changing experience. Here’s how you can benefit and what you can expect from your time away from home.

Take a timeout from the political chaos in the States.

Has the outcome of the election got you down? Even though the future appears bleak, this is a perfect time to escape the stress and uncertainty of the Trump Administration. Depending on your chosen place, you could be looking at everything from a more welcoming and stable government to a lower cost of living, universal healthcare, and, of course, cheaper eggs! If you still believe in it, science has proven that extended exposure to political divisiveness negatively affects your well-being. Psychology Today explains how prolonged divisiveness fuels burnout.

I’m not one for running away from my problems. However, putting some distance between you and the 24-hour news cycle will do wonders for your mental well-being, even if it’s only temporary.

Lastly, you can still participate in the resistance from abroad by joining online movements like BuildTheResistance.org, donating money, participating in virtual protests and phone campaigns, and sharing news and information on social media.

When you go abroad, leave your comfort zone behind.

Every day, you will be put to the test. You’ll have many new experiences to conquer, from minor everyday nuisances to far more complex issues. This can include everything from ordering food, understanding the metro system, meeting new people, asking for help to read the 15-line items on your pay stub, going on vacation by yourself, renting an apartment, filing local taxes, to buying a home – all in a foreign language. A dose of vulnerability can help, along with resilience and the attitude to get up and try again.

Do one thing every day that scares you. — Eleanor Roosevelt

Access learning you won’t get in the classroom.

When you go abroad, you will likely take a language class or two where you will get the basics. There are language apps to support your learning along the way as well. I encourage you to take classes and try the available tech, but the real test will come when you wake up and step outside. I call it street learning. Start the morning at a café or coffee bar. Ordering and having coffee at the corner bar will be helpful in assimilating into your new home. Not only to observe how the locals do it but also to get a sense of what people are talking about and what’s on their minds. You can extend street learning to food and clothing shopping, dining out, and the office.

Experience a new culture firsthand when you live and work abroad.

In Italy, for example, there are more than 230 festivals and events every year related to historical events, food & wine, and local traditions.

Here are just a handful of events that I have experienced: the Epiphany, Jan 6, where the Befana (witch) leaves candy and sweets in the stockings of children; Venice’s Carnevale, the farewell party leading up to Lent, Feb 14-Mar 4; Vinitaly wine festival in Verona, Apr 6-9; The Infiorata di Noto, the Baroque Flower Festival, in Noto, Sicily, May 16-20; the Sagra del Limone, a festival dedicated to lemons, in Monterosso, Cinque Terre, May 17; The Festa della Repubblica, the birthday of the Italian Republic, Jun 2; and The Festa del Redentore which takes place in Venice and celebrates the end of the plague, Jul 19-20. When you live and work abroad, events and holidays can be great fun and provide an opportunity to learn more about a new culture.

Great people do things before they’re ready. They do things before they know they can do it. Doing what you’re afraid of, getting out of your comfort zone, taking risk like that – that is what life is. You might be really good. You might find out something about yourself that’s really special and if you’re not good, who cares? You tried something. Now you know something about yourself. — Amy Poehler

While overseas, open yourself up to new career opportunities.

After a few years of work experience abroad, I built up a resume that opened doors. I was exposed to opportunities that would never have been available to me in the States. A combination of experience and an extended network helped me advance my career and establish myself as an international marketing professional at home and overseas. Thanks to my success in Italy, I have been recruited and interviewed for jobs throughout EMEA.

Alternatively, being abroad can spark entrepreneurial pursuits. Many people I know have leveraged their experiences to start their own businesses in consulting, travel services, food and wine, and other opportunities related to their home overseas.

While a move of any type can be stressful, if you’ve done your research, then why not now? Today, there are more ways to go abroad than ever before. You can study, teach, volunteer, go with your current employer, get recruited internationally, or go on a digital nomad visa. You can do it yourself, or there are companies to help you find the right place and support you on your move.

An experience overseas will expand your horizons and open doors to a new you.

Photo by Lina Kivaka from Pexels

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Prior to the move, I had earned my MBA from the University of South Carolina. During my studies, I did an exchange program with Bocconi University’s business school and had an internship with Pirelli, the tire and telecoms equipment manufacturer. I loved it.

After I graduated, the company made me an offer to head up marketing and communications for its telecoms business, and I jumped at the chance to return to Italy.

I was on my own and only knew a few people from my internship. But I didn’t feel nervous, just excited at this new opportunity. I’ve been in Milan ever since.

If you want to know what happened after I left the U.S., read the article on CNBC Make It.

The post CNBC Make It: I left the U.S. for Italy 20 years ago— the 4 important lessons I learned appeared first on Ciao Lulu!.

I lost my husband, my companion, my life partner, and my best friend, and while it doesn’t matter what you call our relationship, we spent the past 12 years together. Through good and bad times, we were doing it together as a team navigating all that life throws at you. 

Now, I must leave that life and our joint plans behind and navigate an unknown future. When the comfort of having the right partner is no longer possible, sadness and fear sink in immediately. 

While my journey of healing and moving forward is in the early stages, I’ve learned the following from dealing with my loss.

One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through and it will be someone else’s survival guide.

— Brené Brown

10 tips on how to survive the loss of a loved one.

1. Open up.
   
   
2. Get professional help.
   
   
3. Form a support network.
   
   
4. Take care of business.
   
   
5. Live in the present.
   
   
6. Be assertive.
   
   
7. Take care of yourself.
   
   
8. Accept change.
   
   
9. Go easy on yourself.
   
   
10. Help someone else.

1. Open up. 

Naturally, you may not want to see anyone at first, but the sooner you let people in, the better it will be for you. I didn’t want to be needy but let’s face it, you are when you are dealing with the loss of a loved one. You wouldn’t be human if you weren’t. I am lucky to have a supportive network of family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Your network will offer to jump on a plane to be with you, check in on you, cook for you, walk your dog, take you out, do your shopping, take projects on to reduce your workload, etc. All I can say is let those around you help. Surviving loss and healing while abroad will be painfully slow if you try to do it alone.

I’m an introvert, so this was a significant change for me – letting others help me. While I could be better at letting people in, I’ve learned that it has been a helpful and positive experience when I do. So, if you want to be more open with people, do these nine things.

2. Get professional help.

I can’t stress how important this is. Your family, friends, and community are crucial but having an objective view, and a professional trained in helping people rebuild their lives after losing a loved one is essential. As I’m usually not an open person, I was skeptical and thought my first session would be my last session. The opposite is true. I continue to see my therapist to this day. On top of that, my therapist also has dual citizenship and understands cultural differences. I can communicate in my native language, and I know that my therapist understands the cultural differences between the United States and Italy.

Regardless of your need – surviving loss abroad, stress, burnout, depression, etc. — it is no longer taboo to seek help. Due to the pandemic, support for mental well-being has become front and center for employees and employers worldwide. Today, people acknowledge that mental health is as important as physical health. On a positive note, many companies now have mental well-being support networks. So, if you work in a large company, check in with your HR or Benefits department to see what services are available to you. Check with your healthcare provider if your company doesn’t offer these services. You can also look into group therapy which can help minimize the cost. If you need help finding or vetting a therapist, here’s a helpful resource on how to find a therapist. 

3. Form a support network.

Outside of therapy, you’ll need a core network to help you survive your loss. These are trusted friends and family close by or a phone call away. You’ll have good and bad days, anxiety attacks, depression, and many ups and downs. Having someone close by to talk through your feelings will help with the healing process. I make it a point to speak with my support network daily. We check in at the same time. Sometimes this is just an IM that everything is ok, or it is a conversation to talk through my feelings. My support group also holds me accountable for the actions I want to take and the behaviors I want to change. While it can be hard to ask for help, this is what friends and family are for; just be there for them when they need your support. You can also find comfort in joining a gym, volunteering, and other social activities. Tap into this tool to beat stress.

4. Take care of business.

With the loss of a loved one, there will be the bureaucratic “stuff” to address – wills, insurance, bills, closing and opening accounts, investments, taxes, property, pensions, etc. Prioritize and organize these activities. Some will be time-sensitive, while other items can wait. I can assure you that the cleaning up and administrative “stuff” is the energy-draining and heartless part of losing someone. It is also when you genuinely get to know a person’s character. Money and material items can often bring out the worst in the people around us. As with anything, understand the laws and your rights. To do that, work through your network. There will be someone who can recommend a lawyer or who has lived through a similar experience. Here’s a financial checklist for when your spouse dies. 

5. Live in the present.

Don’t get trapped in the past; don’t think too far ahead. I can tell you from experience that dwelling on the past will keep you stuck there. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t remember the good times. On the other hand, thinking too far ahead will parallelize you. I often get the question, will you go home, back to the States? While there are many options of where I can live, I don’t need to figure that out today. Surviving loss abroad means trying to take it one day at a time. Thinking too far into the future brings uncertainty and fear, detracting from what you need to do today. If you need help living in the present, read how to start living in the moment and stop worrying.

6. Be assertive.

Don’t be aggressive, don’t be passive, be assertive. Be confident and clear about what you want or need. Stand up for yourself. Why is this important? You don’t want to get sucked into other family members’ issues, dramas, or problems at your expense. You can still help others; just stay on top of your needs and interests. If you need help being assertive, check out seven powerful habits that make you more assertive.

7. Take care of yourself.

Not only should you take care of yourself, spoil yourself – you deserve it. When surviving the loss of a loved one, It is easy to get into the habit of rolling out of bed, putting on the same clothes from the past few days, and going through the motions. I’m not proud of it, but there were days that I didn’t even brush my teeth. You become a prisoner of your situation, and this is not good. Self-love is not only permitted but necessary. You will feel better if you take care of yourself – your health, body, and mind. In the end, you will feel better about yourself, and your outlook on life will improve. Self-love means putting yourself first, caring for your body and mind, and doing the activities you love. Here’s how to focus on yourself – and only yourself.

8. Accept change.

This is one of the hardest parts of loss. Your life will never be as it was. Surviving the loss of a loved one means you will be forced to start over. While a fresh start can be exciting, it is also frightening, especially when you are not looking for it. The sooner you accept this, the quicker you’ll move on. That’s not to say that you won’t make mistakes and slip back into the past. Are you resistant to change? Then check out your five-step resilience exercise for accepting change.

9. Go easy on yourself.

You are only human. Know that you will have good and bad days. Writing my feelings down or journaling helps me work through problems and bring about the changes I’m trying to make. Need help? Here are nine little ways to go easy on yourself right now.

10. Help someone else.

Helping others takes the focus off ourselves. It can also bring satisfaction and improve mental health, among other positive benefits. From experience, helping others provides perspective and can give us purpose. Volunteering your time might not be the first thing that comes to mind when surviving the loss of a loved one, but it will become an integral part of the healing process. Read about the seven scientific benefits of helping others. 

The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not “get over” the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same nor would you want to.

— Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler

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Starting over in a foreign place can be daunting. If you are making your home abroad, even temporarily, you’ll need to embrace the unknown if you are going to succeed.

Before you go abroad, take care of the ESSENTIALS.

Once you make your decision to live and work abroad, be sure you take care of important business.  Work permits and IDs are probably the two most important things when it comes to a long-term stay and integrating in a foreign country.  Work permits and IDs tend to go hand in hand.  You usually can’t get one without the other.

Your employer should act as your sponsor and take care of the necessary applications and paperwork for your work permit.  You’ll want to monitor this process closely.  To do this, be sure to understand how the process works and know all the deadlines.  I can’t stress how important this is.  In most places, you won’t be able to do much without a work or residence permit.  Once you have the work permit, getting an ID and any necessary tax IDs will follow, usually with more paperwork.

So why are these documents so important?  Well, if you want to get paid and open a bank account, you will need documents such as a work/residence permit, and personal and tax IDs.

It is important that you get in writing that your employer will take care of your essential documents – permit and IDs or whatever they may be for the country where you’ll be living.  You’ll also want your employer to compensate you for any processing delays that may result in delays in getting paid.

Check in on any investments you have to understand if you need to take any actions prior to your departure.

If you are going abroad with your family, be sure to plan for school.  International schools will be costly.  Be sure you know who is paying – you or the company.  Lastly, your spouse will need the same documents you need to work locally.  If they don’t get them, he or she may need to pursue a more entrepreneurial endeavor while you are abroad.

Home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling.

— Cecelia Ahern

You’ve decided, you’re making your home abroad.

Step 1: don’t freak out.

Even if you are going for a fixed period of time, your initial reaction might be the following. What the fu**k did I do? If you take a deep breath and think back, I’m sure you can recall a time when you moved before – during college, the first time out on your own or when you started a family.  I’ve moved many times and sometimes it can be overwhelming. 

Leaving the comforts of home behind is hard.  Some of my experiences have included moving to Miami, and, with bags still packed, having to prepare for a serious hurricane or arriving in Italy only to learn that I still needed to be admitted into a yearly quota system to get my work permit and all other essential documents.  As a former Type A personality, I had to learn to roll with it and not sweat the small things. (The book series Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff really helped!)

The opportunity of living and working abroad can be life changing, so don’t let your fear of starting over stand in the way.

You’ve arrived abroad, now what?

Step 2: get settled.

If you’ve been moved abroad for work, your company may have found a place for you or is putting you up in temporary housing. If you find yourself in the latter position, you’ll need to find a place to live. Where you live is important if you want a life outside of work.  Don’t leave this decision up to fate or some mobility manager who might only be thinking of finding you a place close to the office. This was my experience.  While the relocation team assigned to me was well-intentioned, they kept showing me apartments close to the office. This was great for my commute but not ideal for anything else.  I eventually did my own search and found the perfect location for me. 

Granted, the commute was longer, but more importantly I didn’t have to sacrifice what I like to do.  I’m a runner so I needed to be able to run.  I also wanted a place that when I stepped outside, I could easily reach public transportation, and be in walking distance of a food market, the city center, restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment like the cinema.  Above all, I wanted an apartment that was located in a part of the city that was safe.

Once I knew I would be living and working abroad, I spent quite a bit a time researching where I would live. Prior to arriving in Milan, I had some ideas about where I wanted to live. I validated those ideas by speaking with colleagues and other expats living in Milan. 

Don’t let the fact that you are on a work assignment make you feel that it has to be all work and no play.

Outside of finding a place to live and furnishing it, you’ll need to know how you will manage essential services such as your utilities (electricity and/or gas), and any other services such as internet, premium television, cell phone, etc.

Also, understanding your healthcare will be very important. If the pandemic taught us anything it was how important it is to have health coverage.  I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before, know how your healthcare works before you need it.  You’ll also want to make a list of emergency numbers for the local consulate, fire department, police, and emergency medical care.  Americans will want to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  This allows the U.S. Embassy to send you important updates and to contact you in the event of an emergency or civil unrest.

Americans who are living and working abroad also need to file taxes back home and to understand the local tax system and their commitment in their host country.  Doing your taxes could get complicated.  Check in with your company to understand what support is provided.  Like me, you’ll probably have an accountant at home and abroad.

Lastly, know how you are going to get to work.  Public transport might be ok in the beginning.  Though, beware of the occasional transportation strikes.  If you want your own wheels, you may find yourself going back to driving school, which is what I had to do.  In Italy, I couldn’t transfer my driver’s license so I had to re-do driver’s ed with a bunch of 18-year-old Italian teens. 

You’re doing it, living and working abroad.

Step 3: check out your surroundings.

By now, you have settled in and are feeling comfortable in your new home.  First things firsts, take care of business – be sure you know how to get to your consulate, the closest hospital, a supermarket, pharmacy, work, the bank, etc. Once you get the essentials down of living and working abroad, go out and explore your neighborhood. Take a walk and check out local cafés, sites, art exhibitions, festivals, and major events. Take advantage of what’s going on around town to get to know your neighborhood.

Step 4: make friends.

Go out, and meet people and make friends.  There are so many ways to make new friends, start with colleagues, associations, alumni in the area, volunteering, joining a local gym or sports club.  Put yourself out there and see what clicks for you.

Step 5: be a local.

So, now you’ve mastered living and working abroad. You have a network of friends and you are felling at home. You’ll want to take advantage of your time abroad to travel and to learn as much as you can about your new home. Learn the language, watch local news and read the newspaper.  Learning the language will help you fit in and really get to know the culture. There are so many ways to learn a new language – in the classroom, online, through languages exchanges, etc.  Choose the method that works best for you. 

You might want to get that driver’s license, or you may like your host country so much that you decide to buy property or even look into citizenship. You could start a business abroad.  The opportunities are endless.

Bonus step: don’t think, just do it!

While the thought of living and working abroad may seem like a far-off dream, it is possible.  Step by step, you can remake your home anywhere with the right amount of patience, flexibility, perseverance, and openness to new experiences.  Even if it is a temporary move, living in a new location can open doors to new experiences that you never imagined before. 

Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

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Demand for expats on the rise

While the pandemic brought almost all business travel to a standstill, research by AXA Global Healthcare found that HR decision makers are still predicting an increase in all types of future international assignments.  This is encouraging news for those who believe that the pandemic has killed their chance of an expat experience.

Boss up and change your life.

— Lizzo

Professionals confident about expat life abroad

Even in light of travel restrictions and other hurdles brought on by the pandemic, expats are confident that they will be able to continue their way of life.  In fact, Aetna International’s latest survey, states that 75% of expats are “very or fairly confident” to continue living the expat way of life.  The study goes on to state that in comparison to life at home, expats are feeling happier, safer and welcomed in their host countries. The survey also reveals that expats are experiencing improvements in their health and well-being, including eating healthier, drinking less alcohol and exercising more.

As someone living outside their home country, I can say that I agree with the findings from the Aetna survey.  And while it was challenging at the beginning of the pandemic, with a high level of uncertainty around the economy and job security, I feel confident that the global markets and the local Italian economy are turning the corner on the pandemic.

What you need to know about working abroad

Expected changes in expat assignments

While all types of expat assignments are increasing, shorter-term contracts are particularly on the rise. With the changing landscape brought on by the pandemic, virtual assignments are also gaining ground as HR and mobility experts assess how to incorporate online experiences with the overall expat package.  In fact, virtual assignments could be a good first step to introduce potential candidates to multicultural work environments.

Employee experience, especially among Millennials, is still front and center when it comes to recruitment. Look for expat and rotational experiences to get their share of the spotlight when it comes to communicating employee benefits.

Lastly, the pandemic has generated new complexities especially in the area of healthcare, which has never been more important than now.

The impact of COVID-19 on overseas assignments

COVID-19 documentation and travel restrictions

One of the more complicated aspects of your expat assignment, might be just getting there.  With the evolution of COVID-19 and the introduction of COVID-19 variants, many countries have restricted or altogether banned U.S. travelers.

Across the globe there is a mixed stance on the pandemic outlook for Americans.  

• Africa and Middle East: TripSavvy has country-by-country information in Travel to Africa and the Middle East.

• Asia: Condé Nast Traveler provides A Country-by-Country Guide to Asia’s Travel Restrictions.

• Central and South America: TripSavvy offers information for Travel to Central and South America.

• Europe: Forbes Travel To These European Countries Just Got Harder For Americans  provides a breakdown on the limitations across the old continent.

• North America: TripSavvy has country-by-country information for Travel to North America.

One thing holds true across all destinations, you should check the U.S. Embassy, Consulate or Diplomatic Mission of where you intend to travel to learn the latest requirements or restrictions.  You’ll also want to check the health department or ministry for the countries you are visiting.

Healthcare a deal breaker for international assignments

If healthcare isn’t a deal breaker when planning for your expat assignment then it should be.  Don’t just check the box.  Make sure you and your family are covered.  Next, find out what you need to do to activate your health coverage.  You don’t want to be figuring things out in the middle of a global pandemic.  Don’t let documentation or bureaucracy stand in the way of receiving healthcare services. 

I remember when I wanted to schedule my first medical visit.  It took months. I had to find a medico di base, general practitioner, and figure out how the system worked.  I should have done that as soon as I arrived.

The weight of the pandemic on your mental well-being

There is no question that the pandemic took its toll on people of all ages.  Nearly 50% of U.S. adults suffered symptoms of anxiety and depression. Just imagine what it was like for expats who had the added stress of being in a foreign country, far from family and friends. When discussing your healthcare package, be sure that you are covered both physically and mentally.    

Changes in expat spending

The pandemic has influenced how we spend our money.  Spend has shifted to consumer electronics to support working from home, food takeaway due to restaurant closures and subscriptions to streaming or premium television for more free time spent indoors.  This holds true for expat life as well. Regardless of where you are, working from home has most likely increased your electricity bill.  If you are going abroad, you will want to be ready for a hybrid workplace which includes time in the office and remote working.

It’s more than just the money, lifestyle matters

While salary is important and one of the main drivers for professionals who go abroad, lifestyle matters too.  The pandemic reinforced the importance of feeling safe and happy in our surroundings.  Many expats are eager to return to “normal” due to the benefit of a better and healthier lifestyle expat life delivers.

If you want insight on quality of expat life, check out InterNations’ Expat Insider survey.  The survey covers a number of areas including best places to work to cost of living. While I don’t agree with all the findings for Italy, the survey offers a wealth of information for those considering going overseas. 

I’m sure everyone of us remembers where we were prior to lockdown.  For me, my husband had shattered his right forearm and had just come home from the hospital when we went into complete lockdown. And while staying all day and all night at home was difficult at times, if the pandemic taught us anything, it was to respect those around us and to remind us that life is short and should be enjoyed.  Sometimes it feels like the pandemic will never end.  However, we need to appreciate what we have, even if it is not the same as pre-pandemic times. Live life as best you can. Lastly, if expat life is something you desire then don’t give up on it.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

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Anyone who knows me, knows that working abroad is a dream come true.  I’ve constructed a full life in the country of my family’s roots – Italy.  If you have visited Italy, you can appreciate people who are full of passion, a rich culture, traditions that vary from town to town, and a history that spans ancient times to the present.  Living here has certainly influenced my thinking on how I should live my life.  Italians are passionate people who work hard and enjoy life.  With the best of food, wine, art, design, fashion, architecture, and a geographical position that appeals to cold- and warm-weather activity, it is easy to arrive in a place like Italy and fall into the trap that “la dolce vita” or “the good life” is something easily obtained.

The reality is that Italy can also be characterized as a country with a weak job market, corruption, high taxes, an inefficient government, public services that don’t work, and a lot of bureaucracy.  While your early months of expat life might feel like a scene from Netflix’s original series Emily in Paris, the reality is that to maintain a full and satisfying life abroad, you have to really work at it…all the time. 

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” – Dolly Parton

As I reflect on my time in Italy, there are some tough challenges to cope with while working abroad.

Trading places.

The first challenge of expat life is working, legally, in your new home country. A hard but useful lesson, one that everyone who is an expat will experience, is being an immigrant.  Even with the sponsorship of a globally-recognized Italian company, when I arrived in Italy from the USA there was no preferential treatment. 

I was labeled an “extracomunitario” or a “non-EU citizen” like many others arriving from outside the European Union.  Being called a “foreigner” or “outsider” is not exactly a warm and fuzzy feeling.  Having those words stamped on all your documents isn’t a badge of honor.  Going down to the immigration office to get my first “permesso di soggiorno” or “residence permit” is an experience that I will never forget.  The learning here is to standup tall and be proud of who you are.  Also, have compassion for those who are trying to create a better life somewhere else.

The bureaucracy.

I can’t speak for every country, but the paperwork that I needed to be admitted into the quota for my residence permit in Italy was insane, even when there was someone else doing the work for me. Once admitted, I had to return home to do more paperwork in my home country. Upon my return to Italy, it took even more time to have some of the basic services that one takes for granted at home – a form of identification, a checking account, access to healthcare, etc. Here, all I can say is that patience and determination will get you through this period.  Before you head off to your expat assignment, try to get first-hand feedback on the process from others from your home country who have gone through the work-permit process.

Finding your place far from home.

Once you are settled and start working abroad, you’ll need to create a life in your new country.  This isn’t spring break, so making meaningful connections may require more effort than usual.  On the job, you may be seen as a threat.   Integrating and finding your way will take time and will not happen overnight.  You’ll need to put yourself out there and try many experiences to find the right balance that works for you.  Join associations, volunteer and go out and meet people.

Maintain connections.

It is easy to lose touch.  Staying connected can be difficult due to time zone differences and any other excuses that come to mind.  Schedule time to connect with your family and friends.  Make the effort to see one another when you are at home or nearby.  Be sure to preserve the ties you created while you make new ones.  

Stay relevant on the job.

While expat life can open the doors to new opportunities, sometimes being too far from the corporate headquarters can be a disadvantage. Even when the experience you are undertaking makes you better at your job and more qualified for promotion, you may be passed over and even forgotten.  Here you’ll need to be assertive and vocal in order to keep yourself front and center.  And, even after proving yourself, you still might be excluded because you are not in the right location.  This is unfortunate. 

However, if there is anything the pandemic has taught us is that we can be productive even when we are not physically together in the same room.  Many companies are incorporating the learnings from the past year to create more flexible and dynamic work environments. However after all this, if you still feel that you are being put in the corner check out what you can do outside of your workday to advance your career.

Tax madness.

Something that many of us are dealing with in these days is the filing of our taxes.  If you’re an American, like me, you are required to file taxes in the USA.  Your worldwide income is subject to U.S. income tax no matter where you reside.  This means that every year you are living and working abroad, you’ll be filing taxes in two places, most likely requiring the service of an accountant.  Groups like American Citizens Abroad are advocating for tax reform.  If you want to keep your American citizenship, you must continue to file your taxes in the USA.  No matter where you’re from and where you’re going, you’ll want to understand your tax obligations.

Expat life is what you make it.

I went from the USA to Italy; you’ll probably be heading somewhere else. The point is that you’ll need to do your research on day-to-day expat life to understand the challenges of working abroad.  These are only a few but there could be other challenges to expat life. How you choose to manage the obstacles you encounter will affect your wellbeing while you are living and working abroad.  Like anything in life, you get what you put into it including “la dolce vita” or “the good life”.

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

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